Prasar Bharati reviews viewership data, audience feedback and social media analytics to continuously improve the quality, content and presentation of its news, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

The public broadcaster uses these insights as part of its regular editorial process, while editorial matters are also regularly reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and senior editorial teams, the government said.

Where necessary, guidance and corrective measures are taken to improve the quality, accuracy, balance and presentation of news, while ensuring compliance with Prasar Bharati’s editorial policies and the Programme Code.

Viewer complaints and feedback, including those related to editorial content, are forwarded to the relevant editorial team for appropriate action as per established policy, Murugan said in reply to an unstarred question from a fellow parliamentarian.

On complaints concerning the autonomy, appointments or editorial functioning of the public broadcaster, the Minister said that no grievances or formal representations had been received from journalists, employees or media bodies in the last one year.

However, he did admit that seven complaints regarding appointments were received from applicants.

Meanwhile, the Minister also informed that the government has approved the Central Sector Scheme for Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) for the development, modernisation and upgradation of Prasar Bharati’s broadcasting infrastructure across the country.

The scheme, approved for 2021-26, has now been extended until March 31, 2027, he added.

On the reach of public broadcasting, the Minister said Akashvani (All India Radio) covers about 98 per cent of the population and about 90 per cent of the country by area. DD FreeDish, a DTH service, is receivable anywhere in the country without subscription charges. (The image is a file photo)